Real People: Young leads holiday effort for German shepherds

Published 5:55 pm, Thursday, December 19, 2013

November home sales in the greater Houston region were $1.4 billion compared to the last November's $1.2 billion. The supply of homes is down to a 2.9-month inventory from 4.1 months last November. Inventory has been dropping steadily throughout the year as sales outpace listings.

Even in this active market, some folks still make the time to give back to the greater community - and our four-legged friends.

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Anderson Properties was the gold sponsor for Greater Houston German Shepherd Dog Rescue's (GHGSDR) third annual fundraising event, "Jingle Bells Bark and Brew" held at Cottonwood in the Garden Oaks district on Dec. 7.

"The German shepherd is a proud breed that has been long noted for its service to our military and police, as well as being a terrific family companion and protector. Unfortunately, the popularity of the breed also leads to the increasing number of homeless and abused German shepherd dogs in our community," Young said.

The annual event included a silent auction, pet photos with Santa and other activities as part of the group's largest fundraising event of the year.

"We have large vet bills, boarding costs and other expenses. The GHGSDR is entirely managed by volunteers so every dollar raised goes directly to helping the dogs. This year's event was our most successful ever, raising over $15,000 for the rescue group," Young said.

To consider adopting, volunteering or contributing to GHGSDR, visit www.ghgsdr.org.

Proler Rich is a huge advocate for BARC. She participates in events, volunteers at the facility and fosters animals.

"There is nothing that makes my heart happier than to see these precious animals find forever homes, that in itself is a gift unlike any other," she said.

BARC is the city of Houston's shelter and adoption facility, the only city shelter required to by law to accept every animal that comes through the doors regardless of the circumstance or condition of the animals. Volunteers such as Proler Rich are essential to the mission. For more information, go to www.houstonbarcfoundation.org.

It seems everyone is taking a bite of the Big Apple this holiday season. John Daugherty, Realtors' Roseann Rogers recently returned with five local couples, to report raves for Broadway's "Kinky Boots."

The Texans managed one of the toughest tickets in town, going to The Carlisle Hotel to hear Grammy-winning crooner Steve Tyrell.

Houstonian Tyrell was tapped by The Carlisle to fill the prestigious November/December bill occupied by the legendary Bobby Short for 35 consecutive years until his death in 2005. Tyrell assumed the gig that year and recently had his contract there extended through 2016, including May, November and December performances.

Rogers said the star-studded audience included Tyrell's sister, fashion blogger Roz Pactor and her husband Alan, along with CBS co-host of "The Talk," Julie Chen and her husband Leslie Moonves, chief executive officer of CBS.

"Seeing the whimsical windows at Bergdorf's, Saks and Macy's were a particular highlight of the trip, and spotting former NFL quarterback Tim Tebow on the streets was pretty great, too," Rogers said.

John Daugherty, Realtors husband and wife team of Michael and Sonia Tersigne attended the Events annual holiday "Sip & Shop" party with devoted fans of the store. In the crowd mixing and mingling was former Macy's executive Regina Garcia, who recently became new owner of the luxury gift and home store in River Oaks Shopping Center.

Dozens of Houstonians, including John Daugherty, Realtors' Sharon Dryer, dressed to the nines for the Zadok family "All That Glitters" holiday party. Several vendors showed off their sparkles while four jewelry designers made in-store appearances. Proceeds from the evening's raffle went to Lemonade Day. Founders Lisa and Michael Holthouse were there and Lisa was on hand to sign copies of her children's' book, "It All Started With a Turtle."

The entire John Daugherty, Realtors team ventured off site to More Than You Can Imagine for their most recent sales meeting. After business was taken care of shop owner Vicki Rizzo took over and a presented creative gift ideas for clients, colleagues and friends.